A node is any contiguous segment of wire or conductive trace that joins multiple components. Because ideal wires have zero resistance, the entire node sits at a single, uniform voltage. In circuit analysis, identifying every distinct node is the first step in applying Kirchhoff's laws and solving for unknown currents and voltages.
Heard on the job
I'm measuring a 50-millivolt drop across this trace, so we can't treat the ground plane as a single ideal node anymore.
Related terms
Nodal analysis
A systematic method for determining the voltage at every node in an electrical circuit.
Circuit topology
The specific arrangement of components and connections that defines how an electronic circuit operates.
Floating ground
A zero-volt reference point in a circuit that is intentionally isolated from earth ground.